Item Number: 7337 UPC: None

Country: USA
Region: California Sub Region: San Luis Obispo
Appellation/AVA: Paso Robles
Vintage: 2012
Grape(s): 70% Grenache / 20% Mourvèdre / 10% Syrah
Type: Wine - Red
Bottle Size: 750ml Pack: 12
Closure: Cork
Alc by Vol(%): 15.3
Grape Sources: Grenache from Denner Vineyard and Rolph Vineyard, Syrah from James Berry Vineyard, Mourvèdre from Luna Matta Vineyard

Winemaker's Notes: "Willow Creek Cuvée has always been a blend of grapes off our Willow Creek Road Vineyard sources. Sadly but understandably, as their wine production increases, Denner Vineyard will be paring down our allotment of grapes over the next few years. Though we will still see some Denner Grenache in the future, we are really excited by the addition of some newer vineyard sources to our program. In this vintage of Willow, the Denner Vineyard Grenache and James Berry Vineyard Syrah are complemented by a spot of Luna Matta Mourvèdre and a bit of Rolph Vineyard Grenache. Luna Matta brings its really cool, rustic, earthiness and complexity and the Rolph Grenache adds the freshness of a younger Grenache vineyard. This wine is a fine balance of fruit, savory and tannin. Notes of black cherry cola are followed by a generous palate of berry pie with a lard crust, and hints of black pepper and spice. The roundness and texture prolong the enjoyment. This wine is sure to be a crowd pleaser! Serve with a slow smoked pork shoulder. While this may well become your go to in the cellar, those with patience will be rewarded with a gorgeous beast in several years. Drink 2014-2025."

93pts (2011 vintage) by Antonio Galloni for Vinous
"Villa Creek's 2011 Willow Creek Cuvee, one of the flagships here, is terrific. Dark red cherries, plums, spices and tobacco take on beautiful shades of expression as the wine opens up in the glass. Menthol and licorice overtones add complexity to a wine that impresses for its vibrancy and pure finesse. The 2011 is 60% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 20% Mourvèdre, 70% from Denner and 30% from James Berry. Cris Cherry used 40% whole clusters here."